During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the city of Portland's hiring practices and the ongoing efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its workforce. A council member expressed gratitude for the changes implemented in hiring processes, noting an increase in applications from people of color. However, they emphasized the need for concrete data on how many more individuals from diverse backgrounds are applying for jobs since these changes were made.

The council member highlighted the importance of not only attracting diverse candidates but also ensuring that existing employees of color are recognized and promoted within the city’s workforce. They raised concerns about the systemic racism that persists in the city, urging that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in transforming the workplace culture and addressing discrimination in promotions.

The discussion underscored the necessity for accountability among department heads and city officials, particularly regarding the implementation of DEI initiatives. The council member pointed out that a two-year-old report on these issues lacks updates on cultural change and training, indicating a need for more immediate action and transparency in addressing these critical concerns. The meeting concluded with a call for continued efforts to dismantle the existing barriers and foster a more inclusive environment for all city employees.